Resident-Centered Advocacy

The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a free service available to residents, families, facility staff, and the general public. Ombudsmen respond to a wide variety of resident concerns, including problems with resident care, medications, billing, lost property, meal quality, evictions, guardianships, dignity and respect, and care plans. The program serves residents in nursing facilities, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities and adult foster care homes.

Complaints are investigated and resolved by staff and a cadre of trained and certified volunteer ombudsmen assigned to facilities throughout the state. Beyond complaint investigation and resolution, ombudsmen strive to be the eyes and ears of residents and to advocate for improvements in their quality of life and quality of care.

Consultations

The program also provides hundreds of free consultations each year to individuals struggling with the complexities of the long-term care system.